Exciting New Food Venture in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is buzzing with excitement as a familiar face in the local food scene, Dave Peck, takes on a brand-new venture at the Jarvis Creek General Store. Having lived on the island for over 51 years, Dave has become a household name for anyone involved with the restaurant business here. A true serial entrepreneur, his latest collaboration promises to bring a delightful new dining option to an already vibrant community.
A Journey Through Food and Entrepreneurship
In a recent chat with Dave, he shared his fascinating journey from the advertising world to the bustling culinary scene. It all began when he worked with Island Communications and met the owner of Salty Dog. A simple conversation about working in the restaurant industry turned into a significant career shift. “I had no experience,” he admits, “but I thought it might be kind of fun.” And just like that, his journey began. Starting from the bottom as a bar back at Salty Dog, Dave climbed the ranks and eventually ran the restaurant.
“That was about 29 years ago,” he recalls, with a chuckle. From there, he opened his first restaurant, the Low Country Backyard, which laid the foundation for other successful ventures, including Bad Biscuit and the popular long-standing Pool Bar Jim’s.
The Birth of Jarvis Creek General Store
So, what’s prompted Dave to jump into yet another project with Jarvis Creek General Store? “To be honest with you, I sold Low Country Backyard because it was getting difficult to find help,” he explains. With an itch to stay engaged and a space that could benefit from a local dining experience, the idea of a new food venture sparked on his radar. “I was getting bored, and my wife was tired of seeing me pace around the garage,” he laughs. Thus, he partnered with the general store, bringing his wealth of experience to elevate the dining scene in the area.
A Fresh Take on Southern Cuisine
Now operating out of a food trailer six days a week and working toward a permanent kitchen, Dave has exciting plans for the menu. Comfort is key, and he will showcase the flavors of Low Country and Southern cuisine that he knows so well. “We have cool stuff like a low country boil parfait,” he shares, highlighting a creative twist on the traditional dish featuring red rice, rosemary, potatoes, corn, and a Daufuskie double crab cake. There are also crowd-pleasers with homemade mac and cheese topped with barbecue shrimp, juicy burgers, and kid-friendly chicken fingers.
A Laid-Back Atmosphere to Enjoy
Setting the scene at the Jarvis Creek General Store is an important aspect of this new endeavor. “I would call it very low key, laid back, and low country style dining,” he describes, envisioning guests enjoying their meals under a massive oak tree while soaking in the outdoor atmosphere. It’s a casual vibe where families can comfortably enjoy dinner while catching the latest game on big-screen TVs.
If you’re looking for an inviting place to unwind, grab a bite, and experience the charm of Hilton Head Island, the Jarvis Creek General Store is set to become a local favorite. With Dave Peck putting his heart into this venture, it’s sure to be a success and a delightful addition to the culinary landscape. So, next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and taste what this island gem has to offer!
